The type of rice is also a personal choice. For example, Basmati rice, with its fragrance, makes fried rice extra aromatic.
It also depends on budget. How much should be allocated when travelling in Japan? This is subjective to individual preferences and the currency exchange rate as well. Still, throughout Japan, there are common Japanese dishes in whichever part of the country. There can also be specific types of Japanese cuisine depending on the area (VIETNAMESE FOOD TO TRY).
Sambal is a must have in Malaysia. It is eaten with raw salads, used to stir fry vegetables, or paired with noodles, fried rice, and nasi lemak/coconut milk rice (VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK), and the list goes on. It is part of the spread at Malay (SPICY FISH RECIPE) and Chinese mixed rice eateries, and there are different types.
That said, with climate change, weather patterns have become less predictable, and global warming continues to have a noticeable impact on seasonal definitions.
Regardless of the season or climate, nothing beats cooling, soothing, and refreshing drinks (COCONUT MILK DESSERT).
Authentic Thai dishes are defined not only by their cooking techniques. Simmering, grilling, sautéing, or high-heat stir-frying, but also by fresh, locally grown herbs. Lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, green peppers, kaffir lime leaves, and coriander are commonly used to build depth and aroma. Chillies, from red and green to bird’s-eye, provide the customary heat (THAI FRIED RICE).
These ingredients combine to create vibrant, visually appealing dishes that reflect Thailand’s food heritage.
Soups made from bones, marrow, and meaty joints are not only nourishing, but also naturally collagen-boosting, with skin adding additional gelatin for texture and health benefits. Chicken, beef, mutton, and lamb all produce nutrient-packed, collagen-rich soups suitable as a wholesome addition to any meal (CHICKEN SOUP RECIPE). They can be paired with a few slices of toast or, in Asian meals, a plate of steamed rice.
In Malaysian Spicy Eggs, the sambal is the core. The common kitchen staples come alive with home-grown herbs, adding aroma and the benefits they bring to Malaysian food. Options include lemongrass, galangal, curry leaves, kaffir lime leaves, coriander leaves, torch ginger flower, and more (EGG SAMBAL).
Basil Chicken, or Thai-style chicken, can be easily prepared at home. Fresh basil leaves are the key ingredient, giving the dish its aroma and lifting appetite instantly. Between chicken pieces and minced chicken, the latter is the better choice, as it reduces cooking time significantly. Still, whether using chicken pieces or minced chicken, cook only until fully done and the texture reaches the desired tenderness (THAI EGG CURRY).
South East Asian Vegetarian Salads
South East Asian salads stand out with bold flavours. Everyday kitchen ingredients -soy sauce, sesame seeds, peanuts, shallots, and garlic, are enough to create light, tasty dressings. Vegetables, fruits, and local herbs like lemongrass, basil, and coriander add texture and aroma.
Sambal is also versatile, and it can be used as the base for stir-fried vegetables, noodles, fried rice, so on and so forth, making it a common foundation in Malaysian spicy recipes (SPICY PRAWN WITH BEANS).
Turmeric milk, or golden milk, is a traditional Indian drink known for its wellness benefits.
Fresh turmeric is peeled and dried in the sun. Then pounded or ground using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, whichever is preferred.
The spices used in this curry come with many health benefits. Chilli powder, for example, has been linked to supporting weight management. From ancient times, spices have been regarded as natural “food for health,” with most carrying unique benefits (CREAMED SPINACH CURRY).
The ingredients for this homemade drink are also available in other parts of the world, as Asian grocers are now common. For home gardeners, lemons and mint leaves are grown fresh at home, while basil seeds come from simply removing the seeds from basil leaves and drying them.
One
of the well-known Malaysian sweet desserts is Bubur Cha-Cha. It is made with
boiled or steamed sweet potatoes and yam cooked in coconut milk, flavored with
pandan leaves. This simple dessert requires only a few ingredients that are
common and affordable in Southeast Asian cooking (PUMPKIN BARLEY DESSERT).
Bubur Cha-Cha originates from the Nyonya community, created by the Peranakan Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a part of Nyonya cuisine and has become popular as both a Chinese-style and Malay dessert. Today, it remains a staple in Malaysian dessert culture (DURIAN SWEET DESSERT).
This
vegetarian lotus root soup is easy to make, using ingredients that are
affordable and easy to find at any grocery store. Lotus root, tofu, black
fungus, and leek cook together in a light, healthy broth. The soup is high in
fiber, easy to digest, and a good choice for anyone looking for a simple,
plant-based, vegan, healthy soup (PUMPKIN SOUP).
Unlike versions made with pork bones, this recipe is completely meatless. It can be served on its own as a light meal or with rice for a wholesome, filling dish. Family- and kid-friendly, it works well for any time of the day, including breakfast.
Crunchy,
fresh, crisp, spicy, and tangy papaya salad. Truly an appetizing dish that
wakes up your taste buds instantly. Whether as a healthy salad for nibbling or
paired with rice as an Asian meal, this green papaya salad is versatile. Known
as Som Tum in Thailand, Bok Lahong in Cambodia (ANGKOR WAT CAMBODIA), Kerabu Betik in Malaysia, and Gỏi
đu đủ in Vietnam, it can be made with unripe or semi-ripe papaya.
The best thing about this no-cook papaya salad recipe is there’s nothing to heat on the stove. While traditional preparation may involve pounding ingredients, thinly sliced or chopped papaya work just as well.
Following the traditional pho style from Vietnamese street stalls, the dish features an aromatic and flavorful lamb bone soup, poured over blanched rice noodles or bee hoon. The broth is simmered with essential spices, as in Vietnamese pho - cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds, which are also common in Indian cooking.
Green Cincau Jelly (Cincau Hijau) is a
two ingredient homemade jelly that is soft, wobbly, and naturally cooling. In
its natural form, this no-cook jelly carries a fresh, grassy, and lightly
earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness. It’s an acquired taste, and not
everyone can digest it easily.
But sure,
as a sweet dessert, as an Asian dessert, it can be anything more than coconut
milk and palm sugar/Gula Melaka syrup. Or, to convert to a Western style
dessert, honey, a scoop of ice cream, or even pancake.
A top notch healthy dessert, Green Cincau made from Cencau Perdu leaves (Premna oblongifolia or Cyclea barbata), is valued for its chlorophyll, natural cooling effect, gentle digestion, hydration, and antioxidants.
You can prep overnight oats 2 to 3 days in advance, but food safety is key, a healthy (PUMPKIN BARLEY DESSERT) breakfast shouldn't cause an upset stomach. Follow these simple hygiene tips to keep your oats fresh.
Aside from Spam, fried rice, commonly known as Nasi Goreng, is a favorite in Malaysia and Indonesia. Fried rice is made with leftover cooked...
